Rwanda has rejected the efforts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to sabotage its international partnerships through false accusations and political pressure, jeopardising regional peace, stability, and economic cooperation.

In a statement issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on Thursday morning, 20 February, Rwanda emphasized that DRC's attempts misrepresent the truth and endanger the region in various ways.

" Rwanda’s partnerships with Arsenal FC, FC Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, or the Basketball Africa League (BAL), transcend borders, inspiring millions across Africa and contributing to the continent’s socioeconomic progress," RDB said.

Rwanda has been working to establish itself as a centre for international sporting events and tourism, and it has started to do so with the hosting of numerous international events thanks to these strategic partnerships with global sports organizations.

RDB pointed out that those partnerships have supported the growth of sports in Rwanda, particularly football and basketball, as well as nurture regional and local talent while promoting local tourism.

"Attempting to politicize these partnerships is a misguided approach that overlooks the significant socio-economic benefits they deliver."

DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba recently asked Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain to cancel their partnership agreements with "Visit Rwanda."

Congo accuses Rwanda of sending troops over the border and contributing to poor security in its eastern region. Rwanda, however, denies all of these accusations.

There has been war in the Eastern DRC for a long while, and the M23 rebels are now in control of Goma and Bukavu.

Rwanda said that the conflict along Rwanda’s border with the eastern DRC stems from deep-rooted internal challenges within the DRC, particularly poor governance, ethnic discrimination, and the unchecked presence of multiple illegal armed groups.

"The M23 rebellion is fueled by demands from Congolese citizens for security and protection for their communities, following decades of systemic persecution."

The Government of Rwanda further noted that the FDLR militia, responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, is directly backed by the DRC’s government and continues to pose a significant threat to Rwanda’s security.

Nevertheless, Rwanda insisted that it is "committed to a political solution to the crisis in eastern DRC."